Which giantess is the mother of the god Vidarr?

Gríðr is the giantess who is described as the mother of the Norse god Víðarr. In Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, she is introduced during Thor’s journey to the giant Geirröðr’s hall. Gríðr warns Thor that Geirröðr is treacherous and lends him a belt of strength, iron gloves, and a staff called Gríðarvölr.

Víðarr is one of Odin’s sons and is associated with vengeance, silence, and immense strength. At Ragnarök, the wolf Fenrir kills Odin, and Víðarr avenges him by overcoming the wolf. His specially reinforced shoe is central to the episode: it enables him to brace Fenrir’s lower jaw while forcing apart the creature’s mouth.

The name can appear as Grid, Gríd, or Gríðr, while Víðarr is commonly anglicized as Vidar or Vidarr. The alternatives are associated with different figures: Rindr is linked with Váli, Jörð with Thor, and Angrboða with several monstrous children of Loki. Gríðr is also notable as a giantess who assists the gods rather than opposing them.